Chiles

Native to the Americas, Chile Peppers have been consumed by people for at least 7,500 years, and have been cultivated since 4,000 B.C. Chiles were introduced to the West via Christopher Columbus, who mistakenly called them “peppers” because of their spicy hot flavor. More appreciated than understood by American cooks, Chiles represent to many a whole unexplored continent of flavor and complexity that can only be unlocked through practice and experimentation. This is why we have Chile collections called “Chile Pepper Playgrounds” to encourage cooks to try a myriad of chile flavors in their everyday cooking.

Chiles are best known (in some cases notorious) for the intensity of their heat (“pica” in Spanish). This flavor, produced by the chemical capsaicin, is measured by what is known as a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU). Chiles, however, can range from 2 million to zero HSUs, with the most popular chiles (Ancho, Pasilla, and Guajillo) measuring in the comfortable 1,000 – 4,000 SHU range. Even if you don’t generally like things spicy, the herbal, tangy chile flavor coming from Ancho, Bell Peppers, and Paprika will compliment nearly any dish.

The Ancho Chile is the dried version of the Poblano Pepper and the most popular dried chile in Mexican cooking. The sweetest of dried peppers, with deep, rich berry flavors, mild bitterness, and mild to medium hotness, Ancho is frequently used as the base flavor of sauce and spice mixes like dry rubs or mole. We stem and partially seed our Anchos by hand before milling to provide the strongest Chile flavors without being overpowered by excessive heat. Try replacing paprika with Ancho Chile Powder in any recipe to bring a fuller, earthier Chile flavor and beckoning for you to take another bite.

This blend of Central American chile flakes delivers a balanced spectrum of flavor with medium heat, and surprising complexity. Add to olive oil as a dipping blend, replace simple cracked pepper in any recipe to make your meal memorable.

Add to olive oil as a dipping spice, or serve as a finishing spice to be sprinkled on top of pizza or pasta. Replaces cracked red pepper in any recipe.

Fiery hot, yet bright, sweet, and with a flavor reminiscent of San Marzano tomatoes, this bewitching chile hits you with an immediate blast of fire, disipating in seconds and beckoning for you to take another bite. Perfect on top of pizza or pastas, or use as a general source of heat in your kitchen.

Also called the “Chile bola” for its round shape, Cascabel is the dried version of the cascabel cultivar of the Mirasol Pepper. With a rich and earthy flavor, plus medium hotness, try Cascabel to heat up your pico de gallo or guacamole recipe.

Named after the city in French Guiana & popular in the American South, Cayenne Chile delivers a powerful 40,000 – 100,000 Scoville Heat Units with very little added flavor. Use to add heat to any dish.

Chiltepin Chiles were brought to Spain by Christopher Columbus to prove his travels to India. Misunderstanding the Nahuatl word “Chiltepicl” as “Chile Pepper,” he gave us our modern word “Chiles.” Used in Central American dishes.

Popular in wreaths and other decorations because they retain a bright red color after drying, the Chile De Arbol (“tree-like” in Spanish) is named for its long, woody stem. Be sure to wash your hands after handling, since this Chile carries a strong punch.

Use in Salsa and other Southwest and Central American dishes. De Arbol Chiles are a good substitute for Cayenne, bringing a slightly smoky, crisp Chile flavor.